University of New Haven Centennial (1920-2020)

Photo by Robert Rattner

After a field trip, one student told me that although touching a starfish was something he’d been very afraid to do, it was also his favorite memory. He was so proud of himself for conquering his fear. Getting kids outside and comfortable with exploring nature is a huge part of why I do this. Kids who grow up loving nature become adults who will fight to protect our environment.

Olivia Walton ’19 M.S.

Olivia Walton ’19 M.S., who earned a bachelor’s degree in natural resources from Cornell University, currently teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven while completing her master’s degree in environmental science. Walton is the first University student to earn a Switzer Environmental Fellowship from the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation, a research award granted to only 20 emerging environmental leaders in the nation. The grant enabled Walton, a native of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, to expand her thesis research on developing and assessing conservation education approaches for primary school children living on Bahamian and other Caribbean islands.